The Auto Expo 2018 saw Mercedes-Benz launch the S650 and S500 facelifted models in India. They have been priced at Rs 2.73 crores and 1.94 crores and are being offered here through the CBU and CKD route respectively.
The exterior updates for both cars include new front and rear bumpers and a full LED lighting package both in the front and rear which have really transformed the visual appeal the car. Inside, it is business as usual thanks to a massive feature list that we have come to expect from an S-Class. Besides the usual suspects like climate control and multi-shade mood lighting, this car also comes with massaging rear seats and a new steering wheel.
Thanks to Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, the remotes at the rear have been replaced by a mobile App which, when synced with the COMAND online infotainment system, performs the same function. The S650 gets a twin turbo 6.0-litre V12 that churns out 621bhp/1000Nm while the less powerful S560 gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 463bhp/700Nm. Both are rear-wheel drive cars and get a nine-speed AT as standard.
The S500 goes up against the BMW 750Li M Sport, Jaguar XJ L V8 Autobiography, BMW X6M, Lexus LS Distinct and the Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive. The S650, on the other hand, exists in a niche of its own and the closest possible direct rival is the BMW M760Li xDrive, which is priced at Rs 2.38 crores.
